Strata Global

Geotextiles

What are geotextiles?

Geotextiles are a multi-functional class of permeable synthetic fabrics carefully designed for a host of civil engineering and environmental applications. Materials such as polyester, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide, polyethylene, or polypropylene are employed in the making of such fabrics that are specifically intended to combat soil stabilization, drainage, and erosion control. The two broad classes of geotextiles include woven geotextiles and non-woven geotextiles, and both have different functionalities depending on the specific application.

Types of geotextiles:

Woven geotextiles

Woven geotextiles are created by weaving together the yarns into a stable mesh. Tensile strength is very high in woven geotextiles. They are used very considerably in reinforcement and stabilization applications, though their very low permeability prevents use in filtration or drainage applications.

Non-woven geotextiles

Generally produced by either needle-punching or heat-bonding methods, non-woven geotextiles consist of interlaced fibers forming a fabric-like structure. This type of geotextile is most often applied to filtration, drainage, and separation applications since they allow the free passage of water but simultaneously restrain soil migration.

Knitted geotextiles

A third, emerging sector is knitted geotextiles. This type of fabrics comes out as a result of knitting: interlocking of loops of yarns. These fabrics bring a unique balance between flexibilities and strength. Knitted geotextiles offer increased draining efficiencies; they can be used wherever reinforcement and filtration are combined demands. They have been specifically found to be useful for structures that require multi-directional strength due to their 3D structure.

Key functions of geotextiles:

Depending on the site requirements, geotextiles perform six primary functions:

  • Separation: Prevents the mixing of dissimilar materials.
  • Filtration: Facilitates water flow while trapping soil particles.
  • Drainage: Channels water effectively to reduce waterlogging.
  • Reinforcement: Enhances load-bearing capacity and shear strength.
  • Protection: Safeguards geomembranes from damage.
  • Sealing: Serves as sealing layers in various applications.

Applications of geotextiles:

Geotextiles have found their way into diverse industries due to their versatility and multifunctionality. Some prominent applications include:

  • Landfills: Used for separation, filtration, and drainage in waste containment systems.
  • Highways: Enhance pavement durability by preventing soil and aggregate mixing.
  • Railways: Provide stabilization and separation in track beds.
  • Slope stabilization: Prevent soil erosion on slopes and embankments.
  • River and canal linings: Reinforce and protect water channels.
  • Mining: Support haul roads and contain waste in mining operations.
  • Retaining walls: Assist in vegetative growth while stabilizing the structure.

Non-woven geotextiles: roles and advantages

Non-woven geotextiles are highly used due to their perviousness and versatility. Their applications include:

  • Filtration: Prevents soil from migrating into drainage layers while allowing water to flow through.
  • Drainage: Ensures efficient removal of water from low-permeability soils.
  • Reinforcement: Increases shear strength in weak soils.
  • Erosion control: Minimizes soil displacement due to water movement.
  • Separation: Maintains the integrity of construction layers.

Woven geotextiles: Features and applications

Woven geotextiles excel in providing:

  • Stabilization: Support for construction on soft soils.
  • Reinforcement: Creation of stable embankments and reinforced soil structures.

It has important properties such as being able to distribute loads and to resist deformation, thereby permitting the construction of steeper embankments and stronger roadways on weak foundations.

Knitted geotextiles: Roles and advantages

Knitted geotextiles are another important category that complements non-woven and woven types. They are manufactured through the interlocking of yarns, offering unique benefits such as:

  • Flexibility: Knitted geotextiles provide excellent flexibility, making them suitable for applications requiring adaptability to varying shapes and surfaces.
  • High tear strength: These geotextiles exhibit high tear resistance, which is critical in applications subject to mechanical stresses.
  • Drainage and filtration: Like non-woven types, knitted geotextiles allow for effective drainage while preventing soil migration, making them ideal for use in landscaping and erosion control.

StrataTex HSR™ by Strata Global

StrataTex HSR™ is an advanced class of high-strength knitted geotextile developed by Strata Global. It has been designed for the very high-stress applications wherein optimum load distribution is the absolute requirement. This product brings about the benefits of knitted technology along with superior material properties, which enhance its performance in trying conditions, such as highly trafficked areas or slope stability applications. The characteristic architecture of this geotextile allows it to maintain its structural integrity under high loads along with providing efficient filtration and drainage solutions.

StrataTex HSR™ high strength geotextiles by StrataGlobal
StrataTex HSR™ high strength geotextiles by StrataGlobal

Why are geotextiles preferred over other engineering materials?

Geotextiles are preferred because they are cost-effective, easy to install, and versatile. Geotextiles are lightweight and flexible, unlike the traditional materials like concrete or asphalt, which can solve a lot of problems at once. Their ability to enhance soil performance, resist environmental degradation, and reduce construction schedules makes them indispensable in modern engineering endeavors.

Geotextiles play a vital role in modern civil engineering and environmental management. Their versatility, durability, and multifunctional capabilities make them indispensable for a wide range of applications, such as road construction, slope stabilization, landfill management, and erosion control. By understanding their unique characteristics—such as those of knitted geotextiles like StrataTex HSR™—engineers can use geotextiles to achieve effective and sustainable solutions in difficult conditions.

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Harold W. Hill, Jr

Director, President – Glen Raven Technical Fabrics

Strata/Glen Raven tenure: 10 years/28 years
Total industry experience: 35 years


MBA – Wake Forest University

 

Directs the strategic direction of Glen Raven’s automotive, protective apparel, military, geogrid, outdoor and logistic businesses.

J. Craig Bell

Director, General Manager, Strata Inc.

Strata/Strata Inc. tenure: 3 years/14 years
Total industry experience: 25 years


MBA – Georgia State University

 

Led the integration of Strata Inc. business operations into the headquarters of GRTF and transition from USA based to India based manufacturing.

Ashok Bhawnani

Director

Strata tenure: 17 years
Total industry experience: 47 years

CA – ICA

 

Played a key role in the establishment of Strata’s India operations. Provides vision for product innovation and leveraging new technology trends.

Phil McGoldrick

Global Technical Sales Director

Strata tenure: 7 years
Total industry experience: 32 years


Civil & Geotechnical Engineer (First class)


Provides highly technical and innovative civil engineering solutions in India and around the world. Responsible for the design and execution of large-scale geotechnical projects around the world including Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and South America.

Shahrokh Bagli

CTO – Chief Technology Officer

Strata tenure: 9 years
Total industry experience: 48 years


BTech (Hons), MTech (Civil) Both IIT Bombay, DMS (Bombay University), FIE, FIGS, Chartered Engineer

 

Streamlines the designs of Geosynthetics and has brought innovation in geogrid and geocell design application.

Mujib Katrawala

COO – Projects and Sales

Strata tenure: 13 years
Total industry experience: 24 years


MBA – University of Gujarat

 

Leads the monetization of products and solutions while ensuring highest execution quality and project profitability.

Chandrashekhar Kanade

COO – Technical Textiles

Strata tenure: 13 years
Total industry experience: 33 years


BE (Mechanical) – Nagpur University

 

Drives excellence in process design, product features and cost effectiveness in production.

Govind Keswani

CFO – Chief Financial Officer

Strata tenure: 8 years
Total industry experience: 35 years


CA – ICA, ICWA – ICWAI

 

Leads the finance, accounting, taxation, commercial, legal and IT functions and assisting on all strategic and operational matters.

Gautam Dalmia

CDO – Chief Development Officer

Strata tenure: 10 years
Total industry experience: 13 years


MBA – ISB, Hyderabad

 

Leads diversification of the product portfolio, monetizing the new products and ensuring successful sustained financial growth of the company top line.

Narendra Dalmia

CEO – Chief Executive Officer

Strata tenure: 14 years
Total industry experience: 42 years


B Tech (Chemical) – IIT Delhi

 

Leads day-to-day business operations of the company with focus on capacity expansion, product and process improvement.

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